safe removal

[paulsreef]

Hi,

When taking out my corn snake, I just reach into the enclosure and take him. With my first Boa I'm wondering if that is a wise thing to. If he mistakes my hand for food, the consequences will be greater than with the Corn. Do people use snake hooks to remove them and then start to handle them by hand? Thanks, Paul.

[Big_V]

Eventually you are going to get bit so that really shouldnt be a factor. You can use a hook to remove a snake and it is good practice to do so especially with larger species. It all comes down to what you are more comforatable doing. The more interaction you have the more the snake will calm down. If your affraid of a boa's feeding response and mistaking your hand for food, start off using a hook and try to eventually have the trust to use your hands.

[Linds]

Yup, like mentioned above, you can use hooks. On taking your boa out with your hands however, if you start acting nervous, your snake will be more likely to bite you, than if you just go in and grab it. They don't know what's happening when you start looming above them, hesitating :p

[Manitoban Herps]

Originally posted by Big_V
Eventually you are going to get bit

So I got bit when the snake was a few months old, does that mean I am out of the woods?

LOL...j/k, I expect to get bitten again :p

[RepTylE]

I do believe that snakes like most (if not all) animals sense fear or apprehension and will act accordingly. Just take them out like you have a done it a million times.
You could grab them behind the head and restrain them,/ I know that alot of snakes big or little can be hissy and fussy until you handle them a bit. If there is any initial fuss at least you have some control of the end you have to worry about.
I am from the hooks are for hots school of thought. But to each their own on this topic.

[Pontus]

i just go straight at mine
the more time they have to think the more they dont wana come out

[bistrobob85]

Do you really mind being bitten by a baby BCI? I don't think you do, you don't risk a thing... It punches a few littles holes and then you take the snake out and learn that a bite from a baby is nothing to be scared of. Also, if you feel comfortable taking the snake out, it will tame down faster and it will be easier for everybody and you'll eventually have a good and tame snake, hopefully.

phil.